Arrowroot: Its Health Benefits, Uses and More

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Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), or with common names Maranta starch, obedience plant and Bermuda arrowroot, comes from the Marantaceae family of plants. It is a nutritionally dense starch, which can be extracted from the tubers of a number of perennial rhizomes. Arrowroot is not technically a root, but, rather a root system or an underground mass of roots.

Arrowroot has been used for many different applications. It is most commonly used as an alternative to cornstarch. Arrowroot powder is perfect as a thickener for gravy, soups or puddings.

Here is an in-depth look at the many health benefits of arrowroot:

Health Benefits of Arrowroot:

1. Boosts Immunity

The extracts of arrowroot powder reported cytotoxic activities that helps in immunity building . This means that the Maranta arundinacea extract helps in boosting the production of cells within your immune system.

A study of the immunostimulatory effect of arrowroot in 2012 found that those same tuber extracts stimulated the immune systems of cells, both when tested in vivo (in a live animal) and in vitro (in test tubes), again proving the usefulness of arrowroot in boosting immune system health.

2. Digestive Health

Arrowroot powder contains high fiber content. Fiber is one of the important for a healthy digestion. You can avoid the symptoms and indigestion, including diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

Also, fiber stimulates the absorption of nutrients and helps to move food through the intestine in an efficient manner.

3. Heart Health

The significant levels of potassium present in arrowroot means that it can be a definite line of defense against heart-related problems. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it helps in relaxing the tension in the arteries and blood vessels, thereby reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes and lowering blood pressure.

Also, potassium is known as a cognitive enhancer, which promotes the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.

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4. Kidney Health

Arrowroot has a substantial amount of potassium that is very helpful in washing or cleaning or out the toxic depositions in the kidneys.

5. Lowers Cholesterol

Arrowroot promotes bile production. This increases cholesterol uptake by your gallbladder for necessary bile synthesis. This way, arrowroot can help in optimizing cholesterol levels.

6. Maintains Blood Pressure

Arrowroot is rich in potassium to sodium ratio. About 1 cup of arrowroot contains 545 milligrams of potassium, as compared to 31.2 milligrams of sodium.

This helps your blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure, in particular for persons with hypertension.

7. Weight Loss

Arrowroot is very low in calories as compared to other starches such as potatoes, yams, or cassava. For this reason, individuals trying to remain on a diet can get a wealth of nutrients, complex carbohydrates, as well as a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which can help in eliminating the desire to snack between meals.

Arrowroot fills you up, and also gives you the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

How to Use Arrowroot:

In using arrowroot powder, you can mix it into juice or other beverages, then drink it straight. Although it is very essential to follow recommended guidelines for consumption.

When cooking using arrowroot, it is vey importnat to note that it will break down more easily in longer, high-heat cooking than cornstarch, for which it is most often used as an alternative.

Sources:
Dr. Axe
Mercola
Organicfacts

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photo credit: happytummiesdigest

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